What Is Arthritis?
Arthritis is a group of conditions that cause inflammation, pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints , affecting the tissues around the joint and connective structures. It can make everyday activities — like walking, climbing stairs, or opening jars — more difficult. Arthritis is also a leading cause of disability in adults.
About 1 in 4 U.S. adults (around 53 million people ) have a diagnosis of arthritis.
The likelihood of arthritis increases with age: more than half of adults aged 75 and older have arthritis.
Arthritis affects adults of all ages — including many younger and middle‐aged adults — and is more common in women than men.
Arthritis doesn’t just affect joints — it can also limit activity, contribute to chronic pain, and impact overall quality of life without proper management.
Common Symptoms
Joint pain or tenderness
Stiffness, especially upon waking or after inactivity
Swelling or warmth around the joint
Reduced range of motion
Difficulty with daily tasks like walking, lifting, or gripping
How Physical Therapy Helps
An Arthritis Management Program is designed to relieve pain, improve mobility, increase strength and restore function — all while empowering you to enjoy life more fully.
A comprehensive program includes hands‐on care, movement re‐education, and lifestyle strategies that focus on long‐term improvement , not just short‐term relief.
Treatment options may include:
Therapeutic exercises to strengthen muscles supporting the joints
Range‐of‐motion & flexibility training to reduce stiffness
Manual therapy to ease discomfort and increase joint motion
Posture and movement education
Activity modification guidance to protect joints
Goals of the Arthritis Program
Reduce pain and inflammation
Improve joint mobility and flexibility
Increase strength and endurance
Enhance balance and overall function
Move more comfortably and confidently
